Disclose These Details to Your Chiropractor
By Brandi Goodman
Too many people are embarrassed to reveal the truth to their chiropractors. You've been fighting with your spouse and sleeping on the couch? That could be the source of your back pain. It may feel mortifying to reveal such truths, but doing so could help you drastically. It's important to be forthcoming about the real sources of your pain and the reason you need to see the chiropractor in the first place. Disclose some of these important details if you hope to receive the correct adjustment for your true needs.
Lifestyle Changes
Sleeping on the couch regularly is not good for anyone's back. Add to it the stress of your situation and you could be in for some serious discomfort. Perhaps you've started smoking or drinking more often. These unhealthy habits could cause you to experience some discomfort and even make it hard to achieve sleep. Maybe that's the reason for your pain. Telling your chiropractor the truth about some of the lifestyle changes you've had recently can come in handy so he or she can make the correct diagnosis.
Surgical History and Damage From Trauma
Your surgical history should also be disclosed. If you had surgery recently that still causes some discomfort, your chiropractor needs to be made aware so he can avoid the area or use a more gentle technique. Perhaps you've experienced damage due to trauma, such as a car accident. These details are also important for the same reason.
Prescriptions You Take
Chiropractors don't write prescriptions themselves, but they do need to know about any you're currently taking. Certain medications may cause symptoms that are the reason for your discomfort. Telling your chiropractor about what you're taking can help them decide if it's a cause for concern or not.
Your Level of Activity
Do you exercise regularly or are you a regular couch potato? Your chiropractor may have exercise and stretch suggestions for you to help loosen up your joints. If you're more advanced in physical activity, different exercises may be tolerated well. If you don't have much experience getting up and moving your body, some easier stretches may be all you can handle.
Whether it's embarrassing or not, you need to tell your chiropractor the truth in all situations. There's no judgment. Your doctor of chiropractic is there to do a job -- help you be free from pain. Let them know all the important details and what changes have come up in your life lately so they can pinpoint the cause of the pain and help you find relief.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Knoxville, Tenn.